MS: Looking Good

MS can change the way you look and feel. The physical effects of MS, including fatigue, vision changes, reduced mobility, and coordination problems, can make it harder to look your best. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your personal style. Discover the secrets that can help people with MS (guys, too) look and feel fabulous!

Clothing that works with MS

Your clothing should make you look good and feel comfortable. And you're the judge of what you wear. Go through your wardrobe and pull out all the clothing that doesn't look or feel good, or is hard to put on or take off. Depending on your budget and how attached you are to the clothes, you may choose to replace them, or you may want to just modify items that no longer work. Here are some tips on what to look for in new clothing and how to modify old clothing.

Choose fabrics that contain a bit of spandex (Lycra). These materials make the fabric more stretchy and comfortable, and can improve the fit.

Loose, stretchy clothing is more comfortable and can make it easier to get around. But don't take it too far! Avoid long billowing skirts, sleeves, or wraps that may get caught on nearby objects or mobility aids, causing you to trip or fall.

Pick colours that flatter your hair and skin tone. If you're not sure which colors to choose, you can often get a free consultation at your local makeup counter. Bright colours can have a "feel-good" effect.

If you have trouble with buttons and zippers, consider having the buttons sewn onto the outside of the garment and using Velcro on the inside to keep it closed. If you're buying new clothes, look for garments that pull on, have Velcro fasteners, or have large zippers down the front.

If you're in a wheelchair, you may want to have your clothing altered to fit the way you are sitting. This will give the clothing a better fit and a neater look. Medical supply companies often make clothing specially designed for people in wheelchairs. Check with your MS nurse or doctor for a supplier near you.

Having trouble putting on your tie in the morning? Try pre-knotted, clip-on, or zipper-fastened ties. Or, if your workplace allows, move to a business casual (no tie) look.

If you need a mobility aid, consider getting one in a bright color or a funky pattern to make it look less "medical." Or you can customize your existing medical aid with your own stickers or fabrics.

Many of these suggestions involve alterations. A friend or family member may be able to do them for you. Otherwise, many clothing stores and mail-order catalogs offer free alterations on the clothing you purchase from them. Or you can try a dry cleaner or department store. They usually offer reasonable rates and may give a discount for multiple items.

Good grooming with MS

In a perfect world, we could all start our day with a luxury spa treatment. But most of us can't afford it. So here's how to get that well-groomed look in your own home every day.

Hair

Have your hair trimmed frequently (every month or so). For a good haircut without the hefty price tag, try visiting a beauty school. Many offer cheap or free haircuts.

If you have trouble holding a hair dryer, try a hands-free dryer or a dryer stand. Or switch to a cut that can be styled without a blow dryer.

If washing your hair is too tiring or difficult, see if you can find a friend, caregiver, or family member to help you. On days where there's no one to help you, try a dry shampoo. These shampoos do not need rinsing. They're available where cosmetics are sold, and also from some camping equipment stores. You can also consider a hairstyle that looks and feels good without frequent washing. Check with your stylist for advice.

Make-up and skin care

Both men and women should cleanse and moisturize their skin daily. Consult a cosmetician for specific advice based on your skin type.

Adding blush or lip color can give your look an instant lift. For men, a bronzing powder can give a healthy glow.

If fatigue is an issue, sit down while you are doing your hair, skin, and makeup. Take a break if you are tired, and try resting your elbows on the counter so that you don't have to hold them up. This can also make it easier to apply moisturizer and makeup if your hands are unsteady.

Be especially careful when applying makeup to the eyes if your hands are unsteady, as you may accidentally get makeup, an applicator, or a brush into the delicate eye area. Consider getting someone to help.

If you have vision problems, try a magnifying mirror that can be held up with a clamp or a stand. This will make it easier to see the area you are working on.

Shaving

For men: To reduce the risk of cutting yourself while shaving, consider buying an electric razor. Some men with MS take the opportunity to start a beard.

For women: To make shaving easier, you may want to try an electric razor, depilatory creams and lotions, or the new bladeless shaver products. If it's too hard to do the hair removal yourself, you can also consider having the areas waxed, sugared, or bleached at a salon, or investing in laser hair removal.

Good grooming will help you look and feel your best. Check with your stylist, cosmetician, or MS nurse if you have any questions.

Super shoes for people with MS

When MS affects your balance and coordination, having shoes that you don't have to fight with is important. The key is finding a comfortable shoe that's easy to wear and doesn't limit your activities. But don't worry – comfortable shoes can still look good! These tips will help you.

Are you a shoe hoarder? Take a long, hard look at your shoe "collection." Find all of the uncomfortable shoes that limit your activities. Some of these can be adapted using the tips below. Give the rest away.

Need new shoes? Find a shoe store that will measure your feet and help you find a shoe with good fit and support. These days, comfortable shoes are not necessarily ugly shoes. However, they may be expensive. Look for sales. Once you know your size and which brands and styles fit you best, you can also look for outlet or warehouse stores that carry them.

Having trouble tying your shoes? Try switching to shoes without laces, such as slip-ons, shoes with an elastic strap, or shoes fastened by Velcro. Right now, you may be thinking of the ugly running shoes you had to wear in fourth grade, but don't worry! There is a wide range of attractive styles available now. Elastic shoelaces are another option. They let you slip the shoes on and off without untying them.

Do your shoes or slippers keep falling off? You can sew an elastic strap to help the shoes stay on (or have this done at a shoe repair store).

Is your favorite pair of heels too high to walk in now? You may not need to get rid of them. Just visit your nearest shoe repair store and ask whether they can be lowered.

Are the bottoms of your shoes too slippery? A shoe repair store can put better grips on the bottom of your shoes, making you less likely to slip and fall. If you have the opposite problem (rubber soles that are too "grippy"), they can fix this too.

Is it hard for you to bend down to put your shoes on? Try using a long-handled shoehorn.

Following these tips can help you find a shoe that's right for you. But your job doesn't end there. Make good-quality shoes last longer – when you buy them, find out how to clean and protect them. When your shoes start showing signs of wear (such as a worn-down sole), see if you can get them repaired. If not, you'll need to replace them. Wearing worn-out shoes can be just as bad for you as wearing uncomfortable shoes.

Your secret weapon for looking good with MS

Your secret weapon is exercise! Not only will it make you look good, it will make you feel good too. You'll also find it easier for you to do your daily activities, including dressing and grooming.

People with MS may have issues with fatigue, mobility, and coordination, but this doesn't mean that they can't exercise. In fact, exercise can help ease these problems. So how do you get started? First, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Your physical therapist can help you design an exercise program that works for your body.

Here are a few general tips on exercising with MS:

Take a break if you feel dizzy, nauseated, short of breath, or unwell.

Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day.

Exercise during the time of day when you have the most energy. You can also try dividing your workout into smaller sessions. For example, if working out for 30 minutes is too tiring, try three 10-minute sessions.

Try aquatic (water) exercise, such as swimming or water aerobics. If you have balance problems, the water can support you. If your muscles are weak, the water makes it easier for you to move around because you are more buoyant. Water also helps keep you from getting overheated while exercising.

If you think you have a sports-related injury, talk to your physical therapist before restarting your exercise program.

Even a little bit of exercise can go a long way towards improving your appearance and your physical health. Get the glow – start your exercise program soon!